Improved buckle-clasp



IINrTE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANCIS I). BALLOU, OF ABINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO .ALFRED B. ELY, OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVED BUCKLE-CLASP.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANCIS D. BALLOU, of Abington, lVIassachusetts, haveinven ted a new and Improved Buckle-Clasp for Fastening the Straps of Shoes, Belts, &c., Where one part is lapped over the other; and I declare that the following' is a full and exact description thereof, in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Figure l is a View of the instrument with the lid raised. Figs. 2 and 3 are sections of the same with the straps in place. Fig. 4is a View ofthe same closed with the straps in place.

The object of my invention is to furnish a simple ,method of fastening togetherthe straps or" shoes, &c., without the trouble of tucking the ends through slits, as in ordinarybuckles.

A is a tlat piece of metal or other suitable substance struck up from underneath, or otherwise provided with a chamber or chambers, a a, in which a bolt, C, may move back and forth.

B is another piece of thin metal or othersuitable substance, hollowed upward more or less from the outer side edges, hinged to A at b, and of essentially the same length as A.

Cisa bolt Working back and forth in the chambers a a, constructed so as not to pull entirely out, and having its head bent up and over, so as to reach over the top oi' B when shut down over A.

D and E are two straps of leather, placed one over the other and between A and B, and coniined in place by the pressure of the lid B when held down by the head of the bolt (l. A may be fastened upon the instep of the shoe, or upon the strap E, or both.

The shape and ornamentation of the claspin g-lid B may be varied at pleasure, and it may be held down by a spring-catch or slot With a. turnkey, but I prefer the use of the bolt, substantially as described.

What I claim therefore is- The buckle clasp, substantially as and forthe purposes described.

In testimony whereofl I have hereunto subscribed my name.

FRANCIS D. BALLOU.

Witnesses THOMAS WESTON, Jr., W. N. ELY. 

